House Approves Human Trafficking Measure

The Ohio House has approved a measure increasing penalties for human trafficking offenders and adding protections for victims.

The bill says minors or developmentally disabled persons should be considered victims of human trafficking if they're recruited or held captive to engage in sexual activities. The crime of soliciting a minor who is younger than 18 or is developmentally disabled would increase from a misdemeanor to a felony offense. The legislation now goes to the Ohio Senate.